Senior 2D Animation Lead with 18+ years of end-to-end experience delivering brand-consistent, story-driven 2D animation for global Tier-1 clients. Deep expertise in character animation, motion principles, explainer videos, and e-learning animation, with a strong track record of on-time delivery and measurable engagement improvements. I help teams move faster by integrating AI-driven tools (such as Higgsfield, Veo 3, Kling, and Synthesia) into production pipelines—cutting cycle times without compromising creative quality, while maintaining strong brand standards across concurrent projects worldwide.…

Nilesh Zala

Senior 2D Animation Lead with 18+ years of end-to-end experience delivering brand-consistent, story-driven 2D animation for global Tier-1 clients. Deep expertise in character animation, motion principles, explainer videos, and e-learning animation, with a strong track record of on-time delivery and measurable engagement improvements. I help teams move faster by integrating AI-driven tools (such as Higgsfield, Veo 3, Kling, and Synthesia) into production pipelines—cutting cycle times without compromising creative quality, while maintaining strong brand standards across concurrent projects worldwide.…

Available to hire

Senior 2D Animation Lead with 18+ years of end-to-end experience delivering brand-consistent, story-driven 2D animation for global Tier-1 clients. Deep expertise in character animation, motion principles, explainer videos, and e-learning animation, with a strong track record of on-time delivery and measurable engagement improvements.

I help teams move faster by integrating AI-driven tools (such as Higgsfield, Veo 3, Kling, and Synthesia) into production pipelines—cutting cycle times without compromising creative quality, while maintaining strong brand standards across concurrent projects worldwide.

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Language

English
Fluent
Hindi
Advanced
Gujarati
Fluent
German
Beginner

Work Experience

Animation Lead / Lead 2D Animator at BTS
December 1, 2021 - Present
Led end-to-end 2D animation production for 14+ Tier-1 global clients (e.g., Salesforce, NASA, Bayer, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Astellas, CDW, Sky, Continental), delivering explainer videos, corporate campaigns, and e-learning modules with brand-consistent storytelling. Pioneered integration of AI animation tools (Higgsfield, Veo 3, Kling, Synthesia) into the studio pipeline, reducing production timelines by ~30% while improving output consistency and quality. Produced AI-assisted storytelling and interactive e-learning content, driving ~35% increase in measurable learner engagement. Established and enforced brand standards and design guidelines across projects, improving cross-project consistency by ~30%. Led and mentored a multidisciplinary team (animators, designers, and 3D artists) and maintained ~99% on-time delivery through multiple concurrent project management across international stakeholders.
Senior 2D Animator at Cenveo Publisher Services (KGL)
July 1, 2015 - November 1, 2021
Conceptualized and executed 2D character animations and motion-graphics sequences for K–12 and corporate content, improving viewer engagement and retention. Managed multiple concurrent animation projects using Adobe Animate, After Effects, and Premiere Pro to meet strict international deadlines. Directed storyboard development and visual scripting for K–12 educational modules, delivering resource savings and finishing ahead of schedule. Optimized motion techniques and workflows to reduce overall development costs. Maintained high client satisfaction and received Best Team Performer recognition for the MHE Science project (2018), strengthening delivery quality and collaboration across teams.
Senior 2D Animator at Popcorn Animation Studio
June 1, 2014 - July 1, 2015
Accelerated animation throughput and delivered multiple Zee Learn e-learning modules within tight timeframes, contributing to measurable client growth. Maintained animation quality and brand integrity under stringent deadlines. Facilitated cross-team collaboration to resolve resource constraints and support follow-on contracts. Delivered consistent character animation and motion-graphics work while improving process efficiency and review turnaround.
Senior 2D Animator at Digitales Studios
April 1, 2013 - June 1, 2014
Secured and delivered the HASBRO Transformers licensed IP animation project ahead of schedule, establishing trust with a high-stakes client. Applied adaptive leadership by pivoting team workflows to respond to shifting project requirements while maintaining quality standards. Coordinated with teams and supported timely approvals through iterative review and feedback.
Senior 2D Animator at Popcorn Animation Studio
December 1, 2010 - March 1, 2013
Delivered high-quality 2D animation on tight timelines, improving client satisfaction metrics. Implemented iterative review and structured feedback processes to improve outcomes, strengthen client relationships, and ensure timely delivery across projects.
2D Animator at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited
August 1, 2009 - November 1, 2010
Executed character animation for the Kumbh Karan series and incorporated structured client feedback, improving project quality, audience engagement, and client satisfaction.
Junior Animator at Animation Dimensions India Pvt. Ltd.
July 1, 2007 - August 1, 2009
Accelerated delivery speed by consistently completing assignments ahead of schedule using Adobe Animate. Collaborated with 3D artists to integrate 3D backgrounds into 2D character animation, improving scene engagement and overall visual quality.

Education

Diploma in Mass Multimedia at Image Institute, Mumbai
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2007
Secondary School Certificate (SSC) at Indian Education Society High School, Mumbai
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2004

Qualifications

Diploma in mass multimedia
July 1, 2005 - December 31, 2024

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Consumer Goods, Other